Main Street Enid History

Main Street became a part of Enid’s community in 1994 when a group of business leaders formed into a group with the purpose of revitalizing the downtown area.


Like many communities the advent of strip malls and the progression of development away from the traditional downtown square left Enid’s downtown lacking the luster it once had many years prior.


A board comprised of business owners and developers, city personnel and community planners and utility and industry representatives made up the first Main Street Enid Board of Directors.

Beginning with streetscapes and facade improvements, the group uncovered architectural treasures. Property owners quickly jumped on board as the enthusiasm of renovating the once bustling area began to grow.

See "before and after" photos of a few of these facade improvements.

Main Street Enid’s efforts have paid off. The results include a revitalized downtown square that is once again pedestrian friendly. The area showcases the architectural history of the Enid community. Specialty shops, restaurants and professional offices fill the area. The business recruitment efforts of Main Street Enid have brought a unique business mix to downtown and the 2900 downtown employees can be seen shopping and dining in the district.


Enid’s downtown is truly the cultural, historical and recreational center of the Enid community. Millions of reinvestment dollars have drawn major tourist and community attractions to downtown. Main Street Enid was involved in the creation of Adventure Quest, the nation’s largest outdoor learning playground built entirely by volunteers from the community. Dollars donated to Main Street Enid by a prominent local family made the development of the David Allen Memorial Ballpark a reality. The ballpark resembles the traditional ballparks of the late 20’s and 30’s. It is the site of national baseball tournaments, hundreds of community events and rallies.


Main Street Enid’s Economic Restructuring Committee worked to secure the most dramatic renovation project in Enid. Enid’s Symphony Center was originally built as an office building and Masonic Temple. The structure was vacant for 40 years until the vision of a small group grew into the vision of many. World-renowned restoration artist Jo Ann Day of Day Studios in New York and San Francisco worked with artists around the world to restore the banquet areas, symphony hall and temple. Today the Enid Symphony Center spans the two top floors of the building. The rest of the building bustles with the activity of growing companies.


Renovation is but one focus of Main Street Enid. Bringing shoppers and visitors back to downtown with special events is another. Main Street Enid has won major awards for its promotions. The premier event for downtown Enid is “Enid Lights Up The Plains”, a holiday lighting festival that includes a pyrotechnic display choreographed to holiday music. Jazz music fills the air at the annual Jazz Festival held in June and the melodic harmonies of German bands and the giggles of children are abound at Oktoberfest.


Unique shopping, culture, architectural beauty, festivals and fun, it is why people enjoy downtown Enid so much and it is why Main Street Enid continues to be a driving force in innovation and renovation.

See our many projects accomplished since 1994.